Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD
The First
Alfa Romeo Diesel Model To Be Sold In The UK Continues To Be One Of The Most Accomplished Cars Of Its Kind. Jonathan Crouch Reports
Though diesel sales are on the up in the UK just at present, there's one sector of this market that's enjoying unprecedented growth. This, it seems, is the era of the 'performance diesel'.
Though diesel sales are on the up in the UK just at present, there's one sector of this market that's enjoying unprecedented growth. This, it seems, is the era of the 'performance diesel'. You'd be forgiven for thinking those two words to sound somewhat contradictory - or at least you would if you hadn't driven a diesel recently. Cars in the 'performance diesel' segment (classified as those producing over 130bhp) have more speed and torque than their petrol equivalents. Some of them are even quieter. Which is why even the most red-blooded sports saloon enthusiast shouldn't feel too unhappy about having to own one. It's also why Alfa Romeo, inventors of the modern day sports saloon, sell a diesel model in the UK - the 156 2.4 JTD, available with either four doors or in stylish Sportwagon estate form. Though Alfisti enthusiasts might find this a bit hard to take, the fact is that diesel power has been a part of the Alfa brand for many years now, accounting for a huge proportion of sales in Continental Europe. Anyway, this isn't just any old diesel. Arguably, the 2.4-litre five cylinder JTD unit is the most advanced you can buy anywhere, mustering 175bhp, and complete with a counterbalancing shaft to all but do away with almost every one of those traditional diesel rumbles. It's one of the new generation of 'Common Rail' diesels, but this one goes a step further, courtesy of a specially-developed high pressure direct injection system called Multijet. Here, injection pressure is independent of engine speed and can therefore be varied throughout the rev range, irrespective of the amount of diesel being delivered. This improves combustion, which has significant benefits for both performance and economy.
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"Arguably, the 2.4-litre five cylinder JTD unit is the most advanced you can buy anywhere...
"
Performance first. The rest to sixty sprint takes 8.3s on the way to 140mph - but that only tells a small part of the story. The pulling power of this engine is just astonishing.
Though the 2.0-litre petrol 156 JTS has a useful power advantage on paper, on the move, the 2.4 JTD leaves it for dead through the gears. This is thanks to a 284Ibft peak torque figure that's greater even than the 3.2 V6 24v 156 can muster. Mind you, it's necessary to adopt a distinctly un-Alfa-like driving style to get the most out of the JTD. Instead of searing the engine up to the red line as you would in a JTS petrol model, you have to get used to changing up a lot earlier. The surge of power begins at 1,500rpm and is all over by 4,500rpm. In between is enough acceleration to take you comfortably into licence-confiscation territory.
Of course, you don't get that lovely JTS zing while you're doing it - though the five cylinder engine's note is much more appealing then that of a conventional diesel. But you don't buy a car like this for aural pleasure. Alfa reckon that thanks to their Multijet technology, this 156 is on average 15% more frugal than its immediate rivals - and the figures bear this out. Over 32mpg on the urban cycle and an attainable day-to-day combined figure of over 43mpg. No doubt the figures would be even better were this not, by some margin, the heaviest 156 in the range.
Two 2.4-litre diesel 156 models are offered in the saloon bodystyle and just one as an estate. £20,240 will buy you a Veloce saloon, £21,640 is the going rate for the Veloce estate and a Lusso trimed 4-door costs £20,850. Though the basic cars asking price significantly undercuts rivals from
BMW and
Audi, the JTD comes well equipped.
Expect automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD stereo, six airbags, ABS with electric brake distribution a sports body kit on the Veloce and leather upholstery on the Lusso. If you cant run to £20,240, Alfa also offer a four-cylinder 1.9-litre JTD engine, in 115 or 140bhp form, thats also well worth considering. This engine is offered in standard, Turismo or Veloce versions of the 156 saloon or in Turismo and Veloce guise with a Sportwagon body.
Its an impressive installation, accelerating to 60mph in 10.3 seconds in 115bhp form and on to a top speed of 119mph. An average fuel return of over 47mpg and 160g/km CO2 emissions also weigh in favour of a car that starts from a tempting £15,660 The latest set of styling changes on the 156 have refreshed the look nicely without altering the basic silhouette. The deeper front grille and the frowning jewel effect lights will catch the eye of the dedicated Alfisti, but few would spot the differences if unprompted.
Genuine anoraks will also spot the microscopically modified tail lights and the Sportwagon estate versions ever-so slightly cleaner rear bumper design. All in all then, a diesel that does credit to such a distinguished brand. If you have to have a diesel but still want to enjoy driving, you have to try this one.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR:
Alfa Romeo 156 2.4 JTD
PRICE: £20,240-£21,640 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 175g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.3s / Max Speed 140 mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 32.1mpg / (extra urban) 53.3mpg / (combined) 42.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [4dr] Length/Width/Height, 4430/1745/1415mm
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